The Wi-Fi Alliance is a non-profit association formed in 1999 to certify interoperability of wireless local area networking (WLAN) products based on the IEEE 802.11 series of standards. Originally called the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), the group formally adopted its current name in October 2002. By early 2004 it comprised more than 200 member companies from around the world and had certified more than 1000 products through testing at an independent laboratory. The group's members are mostly WLAN equipment and software vendors.

"Wi-Fi" or "wi-fi" has become a generic term for IEEE 802.11a/b/g-based devices and networks.

Standards compliance ensures interoperability, and interoperability is of vital importance in wireless networking. Manufacturers use certified chipsets to ensure compliance. Dealers know that certified products are more attractive to customers and result in greater customer satisfaction.